Student and Educator Resources

Students at the NW Youth Careers Expo will have the opportunity to learn about the region’s broad range of careers and pathways; engage in hands-on activities; hear from diverse voices sharing career tips; meet leading employers, colleges and training programs; practice mock interviews; and take away helpful resources.

For Educators

* 2025 resources below for reference.
2026 coming soon!

Educator Office Hours
Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1 pm
Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1 pm
Monday, March 2, 2026 at 1 pm
30 minutes each: 10-minute overview plus time for Q&A. Click link to join/register.

What is the Expo?

The nonprofit Portland Workforce Alliance’s 22nd annual Expo is a chance for your students to learn about careers in health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, business, the arts and more, while exploring postsecondary options as well. Our last Expo featured 230 exhibitor booths representing the region’s top employers, and it attracted more than 5,700 students and educators from 85+ high schools.

What resources are available for me to use to get ready for Expo?

Expo Teacher Packet 2025 (2026 version coming soon!)

Check out the teacher packet! It has resources for preparing yourself and your students for the Expo including a timeline checklist, student activity ideas and example print-outs, permission slips and more.

2026 Bus Driver Resource For Teachers

Teachers, make sure to prepare your bus drivers! The Expo sees a lot of traffic around the convention center! Check out this bus driver resource and make sure to share it with your bus driver.

Expo 2026 Prep Slide Deck

These slides can help you prepare students, fellow teachers or chaperones.

1-Minute Expo Video Reel

Show this video to your students to show them what the Expo experience looks like!

Do you have students who would benefit from a sensory break at the Expo? Let them know about the Chill Room.

The Expo is a large community event. Some students may appreciate taking a sensory break during their Expo experience. The Chill Room, near the mock interview area, is a quiet space with fidgets and a calming vibe.

*Note - the resources below have not yet been updated for the 2026 expo

Check out the additional resources below to share with your students to prepare them for Expo!
These are noted in your teacher packet, but we linked them here for easy access.

Are your students interested in finding opportunities to start working now? Many employers at the 21st annual NW Youth Careers Expo are hiring! Others have volunteer opportunities, internships, classes or other ways for high school students to gain invaluable skills and connections. Just look for the lightbulb on display at their exhibitor booth, signifying they've got active opportunities. Click here for a resource with a list of many of the opportunities that will be available at the 2025 Expo!

For Students

Know Before you go!

Check out the questions below to learn more about Expo and what you can do there!

What is Expo?

The Expo is like a large career fair, where you can meet local employers and schools, and learn about different careers!

What can you do at the Expo?

Meet Colleges and Employers: Many Oregon colleges and training centers also exhibit at the Expo. Explore college options, internships, certification programs and apprenticeships that let you “earn while you learn.”

Practice Interviewing: Sit down for a mock-interview with a friendly volunteer who can give feedback and top tips before you do the real thing and a job is on the line!

Hands-on Experiences: Suit up in firefighting gear, practice CPR, try out real construction and trades tools, check out state-of-the-art tech (and robots!) and see props used by Oregon TV & film crews.

How do I get ready for the Expo?